"Tis the Season to be Freezin"

I recently saw this title on a sweatshirt in JC Penney's. I was freezin', as I often do this time of year, and it made me laugh. There was a time I lived in South Dakota. Thank goodness I was delivered from that cold country. Here in Texas, we are not quite used to these cold temps. It seems to be split 50/50 among my friends as to who appreciates the cold weather, and who wishes for summer. I'm among the summers. We are supposed to have cold weather here this week. The worst thing in Texas about cold weather is, no snow. It just rains. The last few years we've had snow at the strangest times. Feb 14, Easter day, etc. Imagine kids from Texas looking for Easter eggs in the snow!! Very strange. I don't like cold at all, much less snow. This time of year is best to sit in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate and no place to go. Maybe some of you enjoy this weather. As you always tell me, it can't be Christmas and hot. Even though that would be fine with me. So, as we get ready for Christmas with 17 more days to go. I hope all of you enjoy this cold weather with Jackfrost in the air. We have beautiful flowers this time of year. Poinsettias, centerpieces, Christmas containers. So much fun to have changes in the seasons.

Merry Christmas to all!!! Here at The Flower Box we are getting ready to help you have a wonderful holiday. Christmas greens are here, so the shop smells like cedar and pine. We also have wonderful ribbon and christmas trinkets to go in a centerpiece. I just made a christmas centerpiece with a hurricane globe and candle. In the picture to the left is our display area with some of our Poinsettias. Notice that Santa has already been by our shop. :) We also had a local artist paint our front windows with a beautiful Manger scene. Come by and take a look at all the new things we have for Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Thanksgiving

So, here it is a week before Thanksgiving. A time to remember all the previous holidays with family and friends. I've noticed on FaceBook, people committing to a month of thanksgiving comments. It has been truly inspiring to read all my friends comments. I have learned a lot about people I thought I already knew pretty well. If we all look deep in our hearts, there is always something to be thankful for. Sometimes the circumstances may seem bleak, but the storm does not come to stay, but the storm comes to pass. I hope as this last week before thanksgiving is over. Each of you takes time to reevaluate what is important. The rat race we all live in sometimes tries to consume us. But this week, we need to slow down and remember what Thanksgiving is really about. Enjoy this week with people you love, eat too much, and watch too much football. But most of all be THANKFUL!!!

Specialty Funeral Sprays

This is an example of what David can create as a special tribute for your family or friend. It consists of Stargazer lilies, hot pink and pastel pink carnations, babies breath, ribbon with streamers. This was ordered as a last tribute for our customers sister. She wanted something special that would display her love. It is beautiful. We can also do these specialty pieces in a cross , or wreath.

This is a few of the plants we received this week. Peace Lilly, Croton, Bromeliad, Ivy, etc. You can see how to care for these and many more plants on the Plant Care link on the right of the blog page. http://www.plantcare.com/encyclopedia/blushing-bromeliad-687.aspx This is a link straight to the page about Bromeliad. This plant is always so pretty. It comes in a few varieties, but this picture and type is the one we have most often. They are a tropical plant, but do well in Tyler if put outside when it's above freezing and kept inside in the winter. This plant link on the blog site has information on 2200 different kinds and types of plants. It also will help you find out what kind of plant you received. Enjoy!!

This is one example of a Halloween Boquet. These cute bats will make a fall arrangement come alive. They have cute smiles and are added to an arrangement that includes, carnations, spray roses, mums, and fall leaves in a nice container. We also have pumpkins, and spiders we can add to an arrangement. Just something fun for the holiday. To see other examples connect to us on Facebook. I usually publish pics on there daily. Whatever we have in the shop I think people would like to see. There is always something beautiful being created.

This is an arrangement of roses that was ordered for a lady

turning 97 years old this week. The family had a party for her and her brother was not able to attend. So, the brother sent this beautiful arrangement of roses in remembrence of all the memories they have. She was so surprised and overjoyed at recieving such a beautiful gift. It is so much fun to work in a profession that brings a smile to so many people. Everyday we get to spread a little sunshine and smiles to so many people.

Homecoming Mums

This has been a really strange week. All the schools close around have scheduled their homecomings early. As far as we know, all in September. Regina has been busy this week with garters and mums. All the schools have different colors, and every kid wants theirs to match their personality and activities they are involved in. Mums are a fun thing that is mostly done in the south. They used to be made out of fresh mums, now they are all silk. Lots of streamers, glitter, braids, bells, etc. It gives the homecoming football game almost a party atmosphere.

We recently recieved these lisianthus from the wholesaler. The Common names of Lisianthus are Prairie Gentian, Texas bluebell, Tulip gentian, Bluebells and Lira de san pedro. The name Lisianthus comes from the Greek words lysis, meaning dissolution and anthos, meaning flower. In this picture, the lisianthus are the blue bell shaped flowers.

Here is another pic with the filler. These anthuriums are great. The roses are starting to open a little. By tomorrow, they will be open and beautiful. To learn more about anthuriums go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthurium. This is a great article about where they grow, and other colors. :)

This is something David was working on Wed., it is a mixture of roses, anthurium, and snap dragons. He hasn't added the filler, I'll post another pic after he's finished. These anthuriums are beautiful! They come in a few other colors, but the red looks great with roses.

This is a picture of our shop, it was taken July 9, 2009. We are on a brick street that gives old time charm to the shop. Originally, the shop was also the owner's home. They lived upstairs, while the business was located downstairs. As the years went by, they expanded the shop. Our display cooler was originally bought in the 1930's when the shop was moved to this location. The current owners have had the business since 1985. I have been working here since 1992. Stop in and see us sometime :)

These are today's favorite arrangements. These boots are so nice with fresh flowers added. They really fit some people and their western themes. It has lillies, with lots of different greenery and fillers. The top arrangement is a new variety we are trying. It has all tropical flowers. Including ginger, tube roses, bird of paradise, splash orchids, eucalyptis, and other fillers. It is about 3' tall in a glass cylinder vase. I think it is one of the most beautiful bokays. One thing is certain about the floral industry, you never know what the next customer might ask you to design :)

Everyone have a wonderful holiday. Remember what our flag stands for, and all the sacrifices made for us. We have had a great week at The Flower Box. Gearing up for a wonderful holiday weekend. Fireworks, watermelon, friends, and family. We will be closed Sat and Sun to enjoy time away. Have a great weekend!!!!

My favorite bokay tdy

We received new flowers tdy, and I had fun making fresh arrangements. It's always exciting to open the boxes to see what colors we were sent. This bokay has spray roses, alstromeria lillies, splash orchids, and 3 different fillers. I put it in a cut glass cube. At our shop, we try to use bright colors and make the arrangements as cheerful and happy as we can.